Your Home Is Your Greatest Investment: Expert Advice for a Refreshed Home Base

A few days ago, I was talking to Wayne Housley about how much our home has changed since we realized we needed some upgrades for our one-story brick house in Tubac. Over the seven years since we bought it, Wayne and his team have been frequently consulted whenever the option to update old features came up for discussion. In every case, the results have been fantastic.

We’ve increased about 35% of floor space in our kitchen after removing a much-neglected island and installing pull-down shelves (the writer is only 5 feet 1 inch on a good day, and the idea of leaping up to grab plates on high shelves had become unacceptable!) We also replaced old countertops with new ones and added an entirely new wing at the back of the house to serve as a workspace during the day and an entertainment area in the evening. 

“What are most people looking for these days when it’s time to upgrade their homes?” I asked Wayne during a recent visit to his office.

“You know,” he replied, “I walk through lots of homes every year, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming change or upgrade. But holding off on obvious improvements can cost you time and money later. It’s interesting to see what folks find when they take a short walk around the house and make a list of what needs fixing. It’s as simple as that.”

When I pressed him for specific examples of likely areas needing updating, here’s what he came up with:

Outdoor Grading and Drainage: 

• Soil and landscaping should slope away from the home. 

• Maintain 5-6 inches of clearance from the ground or landscape rock to the bottom of the stucco.

• Make sure pavers or hardscape have at least 3 inches of clearance and slope away.

• Watch for mud tubes on the foundation or stucco…there could be termites! 

Doors, Windows and Screens 

• Ensure exterior seals are intact

• Look for daylight around the edges

• Check wood trim and lower door edges for damage.

Paint

• Thanks to the Arizona sun, most outdoor paint jobs need refreshing after 4 or 5 years. East, south, and western exposures weather faster and may need more frequent maintenance.

• Any areas that can use a bright new paint color will give your home that extra sparkle.

“You know,” Wayne reminded me, “our homes are our biggest investment. Let’s keep them refreshed whenever we see the need, big or small. “Home” is actually “home base” for our families. We can show our appreciation by giving TLC whenever the need arises.”

Local homeowners in Green Valley, Sahuarita, and beyond choose Housley Builders–They’re the “go–to consultants” for all things general construction. For more information, call them today 520-648-3309.